The present invention relates to a wireless protocol adapter assembly for diagnostics, analysis, and monitoring. The wireless protocol adapter assembly provides a common connection interface between a sealed common electronics package and a plurality of vehicle connectors that access a plurality of vehicle networks respectively for translating and transferring signals between the plurality of in-vehicle networks and a host computer. The common connection interface allows the vehicle connector compatible with a particular vehicle type to be coupled to the common electronics package. The common electronics package can recognizes when it is connected to a vehicle network running a particular protocol and automatically switch to that protocol. A wireless protocol adapter board having a standard connection pinning arrangement allows wireless links to be changed or altered as wireless standards change and evolve.
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1. A wireless protocol adapter assembly for transferring signals between a host computer and a plurality of in-vehicle networks, said wireless protocol adapter assembly comprising: a common electronics package for translating and transferring signals between said plurality of in-vehicle networks and said host computer for a plurality of different protocols, said common electronics package having an attachment portion; a vehicle connector assembly having a common connector plate operably connectable to said attachment portion for selectively coupling a plurality of vehicle connectors to said common electronics package, said plurality of vehicle connectors operable to selectively access said plurality of in-vehicle networks; a wireless adapter board partially disposed within said common electronics package, said wireless adapter board having a plurality of wireless adapters; a standard connection pinning arrangement of said wireless adapters; and a microcontroller PCB assembly connected to said wireless adapter board by using said standard connection pin arrangement, wherein said microcontroller PCB assembly is selectively mated with said plurality of wireless adapters, through said standard connection pin arrangement and said microcontroller PCB assembly receives and formats signals transmitted between said host computer and said plurality of vehicle networks.
A wireless adapter assembly allows a computer to communicate with vehicle networks using different communication protocols. It has a central electronics unit that translates signals between the computer and the vehicle networks. Different vehicle connectors can be attached to this central unit to interface with various vehicle types. The central unit contains a wireless adapter board with interchangeable wireless modules that use a standardized pin configuration. A microcontroller PCB is connected to the wireless modules and handles signal formatting between the host computer and the vehicle networks.
2. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said common electronics package has an outer casing that is sealed to prevent the ingress of fluid material inside said common electronics package.
The wireless adapter assembly from the previous description has a sealed enclosure for the central electronics unit. This enclosure prevents liquids from entering and damaging the internal components.
3. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said common electronics package has an outer casing with at least one slot formed in said outer casing that functions as manual reset switch input feature for manually creating a switch input to said common electronics package.
The wireless adapter assembly from the initial description includes a manual reset switch. A slot in the outer casing of the central electronics unit allows the user to manually trigger a reset of the device.
4. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said plurality of different protocols is selected from the group consisting of an J1708, J1587, J1939, CAN, GM UART, ALDL, J1850 protocol, and combinations thereof.
The wireless adapter assembly from the initial description supports multiple communication protocols. These include J1708, J1587, J1939, CAN, GM UART, ALDL, and J1850. The adapter can handle any combination of these protocols.
5. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said plurality of vehicle connectors is selected from the group consisting of a 9-pin Deutsch, 6-pin Deutsch, 4-pin Haldex, 6-pin GM UART, DMM/TK, and 12-pin ALDL.
The wireless adapter assembly from the initial description uses a variety of vehicle connectors. These include 9-pin Deutsch, 6-pin Deutsch, 4-pin Haldex, 6-pin GM UART, DMM/TK, and 12-pin ALDL connectors, allowing connection to diverse vehicle interfaces.
6. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said common connector plate has at least one flange to slidably engage at least one engagement channel of said attachment portion, wherein said at least one engagement channel and flange are adapted to allow said common connector plate to operably couple to said attachment portion in a predetermined orientation.
The wireless adapter assembly from the initial description allows for secure connection of the vehicle connector. The common connector plate utilizes flanges that slide into corresponding channels on the central unit's attachment section. This flange-channel arrangement ensures the connector is attached in a specific, correct orientation.
7. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said common connector plate has an extension portion that is selectively coupled to said plurality of vehicle connectors to allow the angle of said plurality of vehicle connectors to selectively vary with respect to said common electronics package.
The wireless adapter assembly from the initial description has a common connector plate with an extension portion. This allows the angle of the connected vehicle connector to be adjusted relative to the central electronics unit, providing flexibility in tight spaces.
8. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said common electronics package further comprises a visual indicator panel having at least one LED to visually indicate which of said plurality of different protocols is being used.
The wireless adapter assembly from the initial description includes a visual indication of the active protocol. The central electronics unit has a panel with LEDs that light up to show which protocol is currently being used for communication.
9. A wireless protocol adapter assembly for interfacing between a host computer and a plurality of in-vehicle networks, said wireless protocol adapter assembly comprising: a common electronics package for translating and transferring signals between said plurality of in-vehicle networks and said host computer for a plurality of different protocols, said common electronics package having an attachment portion; a vehicle connector assembly having a common connector plate operably connectable to said attachment portion for selectively coupling a plurality of vehicle connectors to said common electronics package, said plurality of vehicle connectors operable to selectively access said plurality of in-vehicle networks; a wireless adapter board partially disposed within said common electronics package, said wireless adapter board having a plurality of wireless adapters; a standard connection pinning arrangement of said wireless adapters; and a microcontroller PCB assembly connected to said wireless adapter board by using said standard connection pin arrangement, wherein said microcontroller PCB assembly is selectively mated with said plurality of wireless adapters, through said standard connection pin arrangement and said microcontroller PCB assembly receives and formats signals transmitted between said host computer and said plurality of vehicle networks.
A wireless adapter assembly allows a computer to communicate with vehicle networks using different communication protocols. It has a central electronics unit that translates signals between the computer and the vehicle networks. Different vehicle connectors can be attached to this central unit to interface with various vehicle types. The central unit contains a wireless adapter board with interchangeable wireless modules that use a standardized pin configuration. A microcontroller PCB is connected to the wireless modules and handles signal formatting between the host computer and the vehicle networks.
10. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 9 , wherein said common electronics package has an outer casing that is sealed to prevent the ingress of fluid material inside said common electronics package.
The wireless adapter assembly from the previous description has a sealed enclosure for the central electronics unit. This enclosure prevents liquids from entering and damaging the internal components.
11. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 9 , wherein said common electronics package has an outer casing with at least one slot formed in said outer casing that functions as manual reset switch input feature for manually creating a switch input to said common electronics package.
The wireless adapter assembly from the previous description includes a manual reset switch. A slot in the outer casing of the central electronics unit allows the user to manually trigger a reset of the device.
12. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 9 , wherein said plurality of different protocols is selected from the group consisting of an J1708, J1587, J1939, CAN, GM UART, ALDL, J1850 protocol, and combinations thereof.
The wireless adapter assembly from the previous description supports multiple communication protocols. These include J1708, J1587, J1939, CAN, GM UART, ALDL, and J1850. The adapter can handle any combination of these protocols.
13. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 9 , wherein said plurality of vehicle connectors is selected from the group consisting of a 9-pin Deutsch, 6-pin Deutsch, 4-pin Haldex, 6-pin GM UART, DMM/TK, and 12-pin ALDL.
The wireless adapter assembly from the previous description uses a variety of vehicle connectors. These include 9-pin Deutsch, 6-pin Deutsch, 4-pin Haldex, 6-pin GM UART, DMM/TK, and 12-pin ALDL connectors, allowing connection to diverse vehicle interfaces.
14. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 9 , wherein said common connector plate has at least one flange to slidably engage at least one engagement channel of said attachment portion, wherein said at least one engagement channel and flange are adapted and configured to allow said common connector plate to operably couple to said attachment portion in a predetermined orientation.
The wireless adapter assembly from the previous description allows for secure connection of the vehicle connector. The common connector plate utilizes flanges that slide into corresponding channels on the central unit's attachment section. This flange-channel arrangement ensures the connector is attached in a specific, correct orientation.
15. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 9 , wherein said common connector plate has an extension portion that is selectively coupled to said plurality of vehicle connectors to allow an angle of said plurality of vehicle connectors to selectively vary with respect to said common electronics package.
The wireless adapter assembly from the previous description has a common connector plate with an extension portion. This allows the angle of the connected vehicle connector to be adjusted relative to the central electronics unit, providing flexibility in tight spaces.
16. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 9 , wherein said common electronics package further comprises a visual indicator panel having at least one LED to visually indicate which of said plurality of different protocols is being used.
The wireless adapter assembly from the previous description includes a visual indication of the active protocol. The central electronics unit has a panel with LEDs that light up to show which protocol is currently being used for communication.
17. A wireless protocol adapter assembly for interfacing between a host computer and a plurality of in-vehicle networks, said wireless protocol adapter assembly comprising: a common electronics package for processing and transferring signals between said plurality of in-vehicle networks and said host computer for a plurality of different protocols, said common electronics package having an attachment portion; a vehicle connector assembly having a common connector plate operably connectable to said attachment portion for selectively coupling a plurality of vehicle connectors to said common electronics package, said plurality of vehicle connectors operable to selectively access said plurality of in-vehicle networks; a wireless adapter board partially disposed within said common electronics package, said wireless adapter board having a plurality of wireless adapters; a standard connection pinning arrangement of said wireless adapters; a microcontroller PCB assembly connected to said wireless adapter board by using said standard connection pin arrangement, wherein said microcontroller PCB assembly is selectively mated with said plurality of wireless adapters, through said standard connection pin arrangement and said microcontroller PCB assembly receives and formats signals transmitted between said host computer and said plurality of vehicle networks; wherein said wireless protocol adapter assembly recognizes when it is coupled to any of said plurality of in-vehicle network running any of said plurality of different protocols and automatically switches to a protocol; an outer casing of said common electronics package that is sealed to prevent the ingress of fluid material inside said common electronics package; at least one slot that is a manual reset switch input feature formed on at least one outside surface of said common electronics package for manually creating a switch input to said common electronics package; and at least one engagement channel formed in said attachment portion adapted and configured to slidably receive at least one flange formed on said common connector plate, wherein said at least one engagement channel and said at least one flange are adapted to allow said common connector plate to operably couple to said attachment portion in a predetermined orientation.
A wireless adapter assembly enables communication between a computer and different in-vehicle networks using various protocols. It includes a central electronics unit for translating signals. Interchangeable vehicle connectors attach to the central unit via a common connector plate. The central unit houses a wireless adapter board with standard-pinned wireless modules, connected to a microcontroller PCB for signal formatting. The system automatically detects the vehicle network protocol and switches accordingly. The central unit is sealed against fluid intrusion, and a slot provides a manual reset switch. The connector plate uses a flange-channel system for correct orientation.
18. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 17 , wherein said at least one engagement channel has an open end for slidably receiving said at least one flange and a stop formed in said engagement channel to contact an end of said at least one flange to allow said common connector plate to operably couple to said attachment portion in said predetermined orientation.
In the wireless protocol adapter assembly from the previous description, the engagement channel for the flange on the connector plate has an open end and a stop. The flange slides into the open end until it hits the stop, which ensures the connector plate is coupled to the central unit in the correct orientation.
19. The wireless protocol adapter assembly according to claim 17 , wherein said at least one flange is held within said at least one engagement channel by friction and by at least one fastening element extending through a first aperture of said common connector plate into a second aperture of a planar surface of said attachment portion of said common electronics package.
The wireless protocol adapter assembly described previously secures the flange within the engagement channel using friction and a fastener. The fastener extends through an aperture in the connector plate and into another aperture on the planar surface of the central electronics unit's attachment portion, providing a more secure connection.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
July 17, 2009
July 16, 2013
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